“It is a somewhat incoherent narrative, which, however, gives Lon Chaney an opportunity to turn up in an uncanny disguise and also to manifest his powers as Scotland Yard’s expert hypnotist. You are therefore treated to close-ups of Mr Chaney’s rolling orbs, which, fortunately, do not exert their influence on the audience.”

Having tempted buyers with one-off auctions called The London Sale in September 2012 and Out of the Ordinary in September 2013, Christie’s will continue to use this sale format to offer a tasty selection on January 16.